Page 32 of If It Can't Be Us

Fucker.

“Your hair is different,” he says.

“Yeah, I didn’t have time to curl it.”

He shrugs. “I like it this way too.”

“Thanks,” I say, glancing his way with a smile.

“Wildberry?” he asks.

“Yes!”

“Which one? I mapped them both, and they each say a seventeen-minute walk.”

“Let’s go to the one that’s north. I have a pickup order at Nordstrom. I’d love to swing by on the way home and grab it if you don’t mind,” I say as we near the end of our row of townhouses.

“North it is.” He places his hand on the small of my back, and gestures to the right at the end of our street.

Wildberry is a pancake house and café that serves something for every palate. Their food always tastes fresh, and I love their skillets! My mouth is watering just thinking about them.

“I didn’t hear any sexual escapades last night,” I say, giving him a playful nudge. “Date night with your hand?”

He cocks an eyebrow. “Hey, at least I didn’t have to wear a condom.”

Smartass.

“How do you always do that?” I ask.

He furrows his brows. “How do I do what?”

“The comebacks. You’re so quick and witty.”

“Is that a compliment I hear?” He grins. “I’m flattered. Truly.” He places his hand over his heart in gratitude, as if he just won a Grammy.

As we walk together, the conversation flows easily. It’s as if we’ve known each other forever. While waiting for a walk signal, I breathe in the fresh air as it cools my cheeks. It’s a beautiful morning. There’s a chill in the air, but the sun is on full display, warming the skin on my face. I look around and up at Leo. He’s tall, with the sun catching the angles of his face just right, making him look even more attractive than usual. I feel happy, and I welcome it.

As we approach Wildberry, the delicious aroma of pancakes and coffee wafts through the air.

“Oh, I almost forgot to ask,” Leo says, resting his hand on my shoulder, “how was your date last night? Normally, I’d ask if you got laid, but since it’s you, did you manage to run any bases?” he teases, as if we’re teenagers.

We are bombarded with chaos as he opens the door for me. There’s going to be a decent wait judging by the number of people here. We walk to the hostess desk and put our name on the list. Twenty to thirty minutes, that’s not so bad. We find a bench outside to sit while we wait.

“So? How was it?” he asks, his hands bracing his thighs as he looks at me.

“Um… it was good… it was fine. No bases ran, wasn’t feeling it.”

Dumbfounded, he stares at me. “That’s your answer?”

“Do you need me to repeat it again?” I ask sarcastically.

“You baffle me, Walker. That’s all you’re gonna give me?” He lifts his hand in an exasperated, questioning gesture. “Jesus, no bases ran? Not even a kiss? You play a hard game.”

I glare at him. “What do you want me to say? That it was going great, I liked him a lot, then he asked me about something personal that he shouldn’t have known about?” I ask irritably, my voice sharp as the memory stirs fresh anger within me.

“For fuck’s sake. Yes! Be real with me. Now we’re getting somewhere.” He shakes his head. “What do you mean he asked you about something personal?”

I glance down, sighing. “Kara told him some… personal stuff. Things about me and my life that are mine to tell.” I look up at him. “And mine alone.”

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